Predicting Bathymetry from the Earth's Gravity Gradient Anomalies

Historically, prediction of ocean floor depth, or bathymetry, has been based on the isostatic modeling and linearized relationships between gravity anomalies and bathymetry. The need for isostatic modeling limits the application of the resulting bathymetry predictions as constraints in geophysical models. An alternative technique making use of the Earth's vertical gravity gradient for predicting bathymetry is explored in this paper. This technique is based on the fact that the observed gravity gradient anomalies result primarily from local mass concentrations on the ocean floor, and that mass compensation by the oceanic crust has an insignificant effect on the gravity gradients, and can be neglected. The resulting bathymetry prediction therefore is independent of isostatic modeling assumptions, allowing it to be used as a constraint on models of lithospheric compensation and for other geodetic and geophysical applications.     

Calculation of geoid undulations and gravity anomalies in the Northwest Pacific by using the Topex/Poseidon and Geosat altimeter data

INTRODUCTIONThegeoidistheiargeopotentials~econfidingmostlywiththemeanseasurfaceandisdenotedastheheightrelativetotheidealelliPSes~eoftheearth.Thegeoidundulationsinglobalaceareupto100m.TheunevenstructureOftheearthgivesrisetotheunevenfeatureofthecitysot...     

Predicting Bathymetry from the Earth's Gravity Gradient Anomalies

Historically, prediction of ocean floor depth, or bathymetry, has been based on the isostatic modeling and linearized relationships between gravity anomalies and bathymetry. The need for isostatic modeling limits the application of the resulting bathymetry predictions as constraints in geophysical models. An alternative technique making use of the Earth's vertical gravity gradient for predicting bathymetry is explored in this paper. This technique is based on the fact that the observed gravity gradient anomalies result primarily from local mass concentrations on the ocean floor, and that mass compensation by the oceanic crust has an insignificant effect on the gravity gradients, and can be neglected. The resulting bathymetry prediction therefore is independent of isostatic modeling assumptions, allowing it to be used as a constraint on models of lithospheric compensation and for other geodetic and geophysical applications.     

6′x 10′ Free air gravity anomalies of Europe including marine areas

A set of 103 997 free air gravity anomalies in 6′x 10′ blocks has been compiled covering Europe including the Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, Baltic Sea and parts of the North Atlantic Ocean. Concerning sea areas, this data set is based on a collection of point free air gravity anomalies. Anomalies for land areas have been compiled resp. computed from free air gravity anomaly maps or Bouguer anomaly maps and partly from supplied mean values of convenient small block size. Remaining gaps have been interpolated by means of least squares prediction filtering. The precision of the compiled mean free air gravity anomalies is estimated to ±7 mgal, verified by a comparison of independent gravity anomaly sets.     

Crustal analysis of the Ulleung Basin in the East Sea (Japan Sea) from enhanced gravity mapping

To facilitate geological analyses of the Ulleung Basin in the East Sea (Japan Sea) between Korea and Japan, shipborne and satellite altimetry-derived gravity data are combined to derive a regionally coherent anomaly field. The 2-min gridded satellite altimetry-based gravity predicted by Sandwell and Smith [Sandwell DT, Smith WHF (1997) J Geophys Res 102(B5):10,039–10,054] are used for making cross-over adjustments that reduce the errors between track segments and at the cross-over points of shipborne gravity profiles. Relative to the regionally more homogeneous satellite gravity anomalies, the longer wavelength components of the shipborne anomalies are significantly improved with minimal distortion of their shorter wavelength components. The resulting free-air gravity anomaly map yields a more coherent integration of short and long wavelength anomalies compared to that obtained from either the shipborne or satellite data sets separately. The derived free-air anomalies range over about 140 mGals or more in amplitude and regionally correspond with bathymetric undulations in the Ulleung Basin. The gravity lows and highs along the basin’s margin indicate the transition from continental to oceanic crust. However, in the northeastern and central Ulleung Basin, the negative regional correlation between the central gravity high and bathymetric low suggests the presence of shallow denser mantle beneath thinned oceanic crust. A series of gravity highs mark seamounts or volcanic terranes from the Korean Plateau to Oki Island. Gravity modeling suggests underplating by mafic igneous rocks of the northwestern margin of the Ulleung Basin and the transition between continental and oceanic crust. The crust of the central Ulleung Basin is about a 14–15 km thick with a 4–5 km thick sediment cover. It may also include a relatively weakly developed buried fossil spreading ridge with approximately 2 km of relief.     

Identification of mantle and lithospheric components of the gravity field by isostatic gravity anomalies

All anomalous masses of the Earth are reflected in the free air gravity anomalies and the geoidal undulations. The low viscosity of the asthenosphere significantly reduces the possibility of existence of density inhomogeneities in the layer. This fact provides some physical basis for the separation of the gravity field anomalies. It has been shown by power spectrum analysis of the free air anomalies and gravity field of isostatically compensated model of the lithosphere for the North Atlantic and adjacent areas of America, Europe and Mediterranean, that the attraction of isostatically compensated model is significant for any wave length of the field. It causes significant error in the interpretation if long wavelength constituents of the free air gravity anomalies are considered as a field of deep anomalous masses. The isostatic anomalies und isostatic geoid are free from the influences of isostatically compensated lithosphere. The characteristic feature of the isostatic anomalies power spectrum is a pronounced minimum at the wavelength of about 1000 km. The relative homogeneity of the asthenosphere may explain this minimum. It means that principal density inhomogeneities of the Earth's interior are separated by the asthenospheric layer. Such a minimum has not been observed at the power spectrum of free air anomalies being masked by corresponding wavelength of the field of isostatically compensated lithosphere. Isostatic anomalies that reflect the differences between the real structure of the lithosphere and its isostatically compensated model have wavelengths less than 1000 km. Isostatic anomalies with the wavelength more than 1000 km reflect the attraction of density inhomogeneities situated under the level of isostatic compensation. The basic features of power spectrum of isostatic anomalies are the same for oceanic and continental areas. The method based on Kolmogorov-Wiener filtration which consideres statistical characteristics of the field has been developed to divide the isostatic gravity anomalies into lithosphere and mantle components. For the North Atlantic and adjacent areas the field of mantle inhomogeneities has been determined.     

南黄海布格重力异常的小波多尺度分析

采用二维小波变换与多尺度分解技术，对南黄海布格重力异常进行了分解，得到了自地表至莫霍面深度范围的不同尺度的密度体所产生的重力异常，从而获取不同切割深度的断裂构造、沉积基底及莫霍面所产生的重力异常。结果表明：该区断裂相互交错、切割深度不一，有明显的多期活动的迹象；小波变换的四阶异常细节主要由沉积基底面起伏所引起的，而小波变换四阶异常逼近主要反映了该区莫霍面起伏特征。     

Predicting Global Seafloor Topography Using Multi-Source Data

A new one-minute global seafloor topography model was derived from vertical gravity gradient anomalies (VGG), altimetric gravity anomalies, and ship soundings. Ship soundings are used to constrain seafloor topography at wavelengths longer than 200 km and to calibrate the topography to VGG (or gravity) ratios at short wavelengths area by area. VGG ratios are used to predict seafloor topography for wavelength bands of 100–200 km and to suppress the effect of crust isostasy. Gravity anomalies are used to recover seafloor topography at wavelengths shorter than 100 km. The data processing procedure is described in detail in this paper. The accuracy of the model is evaluated using ship soundings and existing models, including General Bathymetric Charts of the Oceans (GEBCO), DTU10, ETOPO1, and SIO V15.1. The results show that, in the discussed regions, the accuracy of the model is better than ETOPO1, GEBCO, and DTU10. Additionally, the model is comparable with V15.1, which is generally believed to have the highest accuracy. In the north-central Pacific Ocean, the accuracy of the model increased by approximately 29.5% compared with the V15.1 model. This indicates that a more accurate seafloor topography model can be formed by combining gravity anomalies, VGG, and ship soundings.     

南极大陆及周边海域地形和均衡重力效应的计算

使用BEDMAP2关于南极大陆及周围海域和JGP95E关于全球表面高程、冰厚和冰下及水深地形数据,采用球坐标系下的扇形球壳块重力效应公式,在极方位投影直角坐标网格节点上计算了南极大陆及周围海域的近区及远区的地形和艾黎均衡重力效应。南极大陆冰盖带来可观的正重力效应,南大洋负重力效应又影响到了南极内陆,全球地形/均衡重力效应与局部地形高低有关联性,而低负值区主要分布在环南极的陆坡。获得的约1n mile间距的地形和艾黎均衡重力效应网格数据可用于南极大陆及周边海域的重力改正,提供准确、一致的布格重力异常和艾黎均衡重力异常。     

Gravity anomalies of the ridge-transform system in the South Atlantic between 31 and 34.5° S: Upwelling centers and variations in crustal thickness

To decipher the distribution of mass anomalies near the earth's surface and their relation to the major tectonic elements of a spreading plate boundary, we have analyzed shipboard gravity data in the vicinity of the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 31–34.5° S. The area of study covers six ridge segments, two major transforms, the Cox and Meteor, and three small offsets or discordant zones. One of these small offsets is an elongate, deep basin at 33.5° S that strikes at about 45° to the adjoining ridge axes.By subtracting from the free-air anomaly the three-dimensional (3-D) effects of the seafloor topography and Moho relief, assuming constant densities of the crust and mantle and constant crustal thickness, we generate the mantle Bouguer anomaly. The mantle Bouguer anomaly is caused by variations in crustal thickness and the temperature and density structure of the mantle. By subtracting from the mantle Bouguer anomaly the effects of the density variations due to the 3-D thermal structure predicted by a simple model of passive flow in the mantle, we calculate the residual gravity anomalies. We interpret residual gravity anomalies in terms of anomalous crustal thickness variations and/or mantle thermal structures that are not considered in the forward model. As inferred from the residual map, the deep, major fracture zone valleys and the median, rift valleys are not isostatically compensated by thin crust. Thin crust may be associated with the broad, inactive segment of the Meteor fracture zone but is not clearly detected in the narrow, active transform zone. On the other hand, the presence of high residual anomalies along the relict trace of the oblique offset at 33.5° S suggests that thin crust may have been generated at an oblique spreading center which has experienced a restricted magma supply. The two smaller offsets at 31.3° S and 32.5° S also show residual anomalies suggesting thin crust but the anomalies are less pronounced than that at the 33.5° S oblique offset. There is a distinct, circular-shaped mantle Bouguer low centered on the shallowest portion of the ridge segment at about 33° S, which may represent upwelling in the form of a mantle plume beneath this ridge, or the progressive, along-axis crustal thinning caused by a centered, localized magma supply zone. Both mantle Bouguer and residual anomalies show a distinct, local low to the west of the ridge south of the 33.5° S oblique offset and relatively high values at and to the east of this ridge segment. We interpret this pattern as an indication that the upwelling center in the mantle for this ridge is off-axis to the west of the ridge.     

联合重力异常和重力垂直梯度异常数据反演皇帝山海域海底地形

海底地形对开展海洋科学调查和研究十分重要。以多波束为主的回声测深技术测量成本高且效率低,几十年来仅实现了全球约20%的海床测绘。对于空白区（特别是深海区域）,可以借助重力异常和重力垂直梯度异常进行回归分析反演得到,但该方法得到的比例因子鲁棒性不强。为了解决这一问题,同时考虑到两种重力数据在表征海底地形长短波长的不同优势,本文结合滑动窗口赋权和稳健回归分析来反演海底地形。在太平洋皇帝山海域（35°～45°N,165°～175°E）的实验结果表明:在船测检核点处,本文构建模型的标准差为61.02 m,相比于单一重力数据反演模型,精度分别提高了14.92%（重力异常）和2.08%（重力垂直梯度异常）,能较好地反映皇帝海山链的地形走势。     

Gravity surveys over the Reykjanes Ridge and between Iceland and the Faeroe Islands

A regional survey of the southern Reykjanes Ridge (52°N to 57°N) shows an irregular topography: a rift valley which is only partly recognizable as such, with varying azimuth and some fracturezone-like interruptions. The survey also comprised gravity and magnetic measurements.The course of the axis as well as the perpendicular fractures show up well in the free air anomalies as relative troughs within an area of positive free air gravity (Figure 5). There is no indication of density variations within the topographic masses.The anomaly pattern of total magnetic intensity indicates the exact position of the rift axis and a bifurcation at about 55°N. From the parallel magnetic anomalies south of 55°N (Figure 2) a spreading rate can be deduced of 1.10 cm/yr perpendicular to the rift axis (Figure 3). This spreading rate is at the same time the plate movement involved.A survey of the Iceland-Faeroe Ridge with a 3–5 miles grid shows large gravity and magnetic anomalies over a smooth topography, indicating large pockets of light material, probably of volcanic origin. These areas have normal magnetization. Positive gravity anomalies forming a ring structure along the 200 m isobath are characterized by reversed magnetization.The dissimilarity in morphology, seismicity and inner structure between the two ridges that intersect in Iceland suggest that there is no relation between the two phenomena.Paper presented at the meeting of the International Gravity Commission, Paris, on September 8, 1970.     

Gravity anomalies over inactive fracture zones in the central North Atlantic

The basement topography and the free-air gravity along two profiles in the central North Atlantic between 16° and 25° N, crossing a number of fracture zones, were divided in three wavelength intervals. Two-dimensional modelling shows that the short wavelength (>50 km) gravity is well explained by uncompensated topography (mainly spreading topography). For the long wavelengths (>200 km) there is no correlation of topography and gravity. In principle this topography is compensated. Residual anomalies comprise the Ridge effect as well as regional anomalies related to depth anomalies. The 50 to 200km band-pass filtered topography and gravity contain relevant information on fracture zones. Models require a base of the crust that parallels the topography rather than a form of regional compensation. For an explanation of this crustal model that has the appearance of frozen in normal faults we have to consider the typical morphology as created in the transform domain. The geophysical processes that cause this morphology are still an object of study.     

Free-air anomalies in the western Pacific from the viewpoint of wave number spectrum

Free-air anomalies in the western Pacific consist of the two groups of wavelengths 200–500 km and longer than 1,000 km. This is the reason why the patterns of short wavelength geoidal undulation and those of free-air anomalies in the western Pacific look alike with earch other. The gravity anomalies of shorter wavelengths can be explained by tectonics related with thickness of the lithosphere. Positive free-air anomalies of longer wavelengths may be explained by relics of the subsided lithosphere.     

Gravity anomalies and deep structure of the Ninetyeast Ridge north of the equator,eastern Indian Ocean — a hot spot trace model

The Ninetyeast Ridge north of the equator in the eastern Indian Ocean is actively deforming as evidenced by seismicity and its eastward subduction below the Andaman Trench. Basement of the ridge is elevated nearly 2 km with respect to the Bengal Fan; seismic surveys demonstrate continuity of the ridge beneath sediment for 700 km north of 10° N where the ridge plunges below the Fan sediment. The ridge is characterised by a free-air gravity high of 50 mgal amplitude and 350 km wavelength, and along-strike continuity of 1500 km in a north-south direction, closely fringing (locally, even abutting) the Andaman arc-trench bipolar gravity field. Regression analysis between gravity and bathymetry indicates that the ridge gravity field cannot be explained solely by its elevation. The ridge gravity field becomes gradually subdued northwards where overlying Bengal Fan sediments have a smaller density contrast with the ridge material. Our gravity interpretation, partly constrained by seismic data, infers that the ridge overlies significant crustal mass anomalies consistent with the hot spot model for the ridge. The anomalous mass is less dense by about 0.27 g cm^–3 than the surrounding oceanic upper mantle, and acts as a cushion for isostatic compensation of the ridge at the base of the crust. This cushion is up to 8 km thick and 400–600 km wide. Additional complexities are created by partial subduction of the ridge below the Andaman Trench that locally modifies the arc-trench gravity field.     

From Discrete Gravity Survey Data to a High-resolution Gravity Field Representation in the Nordic-Baltic Region

The deduction of a regularly spaced gravity anomaly grid from scattered survey data is studied, addressing mainly two aspects: reduction of gravity to anomalies and subsequent interpolation by various methods. The problem is illustrated in a heterogeneous study area and contrasting test areas including mountains, low terrains, and a marine area. Provided with realistic error estimates, Least Squares Collocation interpolation of Residual Terrain Model anomalies yields the highest quality gravity grid. In most cases, the Bouguer reduction and other interpolation methods tested are equally viable. However, spline-based interpolation should be avoided in marine areas with trackwise survey data.     

Crustal thickness variations in the Eastern Mediterranean and southern Aegean region

In this paper, regional analog gravity anomaly map obtained from the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) was digitized and used for the calculation of the crustal thickness (Moho depth) variations in the Eastern Mediterranean and the southern part of the Aegean Region. In the gravity anomaly map, there are mainly E–W trending apparent gravity anomalies represented by the contours up to 150 mGal. They are generally parallel to the shorelines of Africa, Turkey and Crete. Crustal thickness variations were calculated from the gravity anomalies, using an empirical equation in this study. Obtained thicknesses (Moho depths) were mapped and correlated with the previous investigations and seismological findings. According to the estimations, crustal thicknesses are about 25–30 km along the coastal regions and more than 30 km on the onshore part of Turkey increasing up to 42 km through the eastern Anatolia. However, there are thin crustal zones around 17 km in the offshore Egypt, to the NW part of Cyprus and about 19 km to the north of Crete. They may be related with the main tectonic trends in this region except the circular thinning to the south of Kas (southwestern part of Turkey). In order to determine the locations and boundaries of prominent tectonic elements, Analytic Signal (AS) and maxspots maps of the gravity anomalies were also prepared in this study. All produced maps are generally consistent to each other and the boundaries of main tectonic units were apparently illustrated in the maxspots map from the horizontal gradient of Bouguer anomalies.     

海区沉积盆地的三维变密度基底反演及其应用

建立了适合海区沉积盆地基底反演的密度模式，推导了对应的重力异常精确公式（近区计算公式）和近似公式（远区计算公式），提出模拟沉积盆地复杂变化的密度差－深度曲线的分段拟合方法。建立了一种利用地震波速度谱、重力和水深资料反演沉积盆地基底的方法。利用地震波速度谱的资料对厦澎凹陷的密度－深度关系进行了统计分析，并反演了厦澎凹陷的重力基底，认为整个厦澎凹陷可能由不同构造格局的东北和西南两部分组成，并分别讨论了这两部分的基底特征。     

Geoid from geopotential model in the Taiwan area

The geoid undulation on GRS80 in the Taiwan area at half‐degree grid points has been calculated using the reduced 30’ × 30’ block mean gravity anomalies and the OSU91A geopotential coefficient set up to degree and order 360. The OSU91A results have been used to compare with WGS84, CEM10C, and OSU86F geoid undulations determined in 18 first‐order triangulation stations of the Taiwan Geodetic Datum 1980 (TGD80). Comparisons have also been made between these free‐air anomalies determined from OSU91A, and terrestrial gravity anomalies. It has been found that the average difference between the OSU91A model‐derived, and 243 actual point free‐air anomalies is 16.8 ± 48.0 mgal. It has also been found that more reliable and dense terrestrial gravity data are needed, both for terrestrial observations and for the OSU91A model, to achieve the very high‐precision geoid on GRS80 in the area of study.     

Arctic margin gravity highs: Deeper meaning for sediment depocenters?

Morphologic, gravity, and seismic reflection/refraction data from ca. 10,000 km of Arctic passive continental margins suggest that the numerous oval free-air gravity anomalies, their +50–150 mGal extrema typically located just landward of shelf breaks, are caused by combinations of rapidly deposited Plio-Pleistocene glacial marine sediment loads, older post-breakup sediments, and perhaps causally related density anomalies (mascons) in the underlying oceanic crust. Dispersed seismicity associated with some gravity highs may reflect ongoing brittle, flexural adjustment to the loads. Multi-channel-seismic-controlled depocenter models for several prominent highs (including the Hornsund gravity high re-examined here) suggest that sediments alone do not suffice to explain the gravity highs, unless depocenter seismic velocities have been significantly underestimated. A flexural backstripping model for the Hornsund anomaly only roughly replicates observed gravity. Subjacent 'mascons', if present below some depocenters, may be caused by (1) anomalous subsidence of initially formed dense/thin crust; (2) depocenter blanketing of early-formed crust, mitigating hydrothermal fracturing and related density reduction; or (3) metastable phase transitions, converting basalt/gabbro to denser phases (Neugebauer–Spohn hypothesis), while cracks close or fill under the increased pressures and temperatures.